Alda, a bridge over Fossvogur

Alda, the bridge over Fossvogur, plays a central role in Borgarlínan and supports the wider vision of a more efficient sustainable transport across the capital region. By providing a crossing over Fossvogur, the bridge significantly shortens travel distances between Reykjavík and Kópavogur, improving access to workplaces, services and outdoor activities.

Borgarlínan is accommodated in the centre of the bridge, while separate paths for pedestrians and cyclists run along either side, ensuring safe and efficient travel for all users.

The design of Alda is guided by respect for the character of the surrounding area, aiming to create a structure that sits well within the landscape and the environment, while meeting the required standards for transport safety and sustainability.

EFLA led the project's multidisciplinary team, was responsible for project management, coordination across disciplines, preliminary and detailed design, and preparation of tender documents.

The bridge was designed in close collaboration with BEAM Architects, with the design scope extending to the adjoining sections of Borgarlínan, pedestrian and cycle paths on both sides of Fossvogur, rest areas, landscaping, and utility systems.

Alda is a large-scale infrastructure project and a strong example of close integration across disciplines, bringing transport, structural engineering, landscape and utility systems together into a single, cohesive and valuable piece of infrastructure. EFLA's specialists contributed a broad range of expertise to the project, with core services including:

• Project management and cross-disciplinary coordination
• Bridge design and structural engineering
• Borgarlínan, streets and paths
• Geotechnical engineering, land reclamation and coastal protection
• Landscape architecture and public space design
• Electrical systems and lighting
• Drainage and stormwater systems
• Traffic analysis and transport assessment
• BIM and model-driven design
• Wind, current and vibration analysis
• Life-cycle and carbon footprint analysis

The location of the bridge in Fossvogur is ideal from a transportational point of view, but at the same time it presented a range of challenges during the design process:

The design of Alda is grounded in extensive analysis, with the design team using BIM (Building Information Modelling) throughout. By developing the entire design within centralised information models, the team was able to efficiently coordinate infrastructure across disciplines and ensure quality throughout the process, from concept to construction.

To support safety, cost-effectiveness and a positive user experience, EFLA's specialists also carried out a number of specialised analyses that shaped the design of the structure, including:

• Traffic analysis
• Wind studies
• Hydrodynamic analysis
• Life-cycle analysis

The results of these analyses affected the final design of the structure and supported goals regarding sustainability and quality.

Sustainability has been a guiding principle in the design of Alda from the outset. Particular attention has been paid to the bridge's interaction with nature and its surroundings, while ensuring that key walking and cycling routes in the area remain accessible throughout construction.

Throughout the design process, the carbon footprint of each proposed solution was systematically assessed and monitored. These analyses supported informed decision-making and helped the project team actively reduce the bridge's environmental impact.

Other studies carried out as part of the project, including assessments of ecosystems, wind conditions, currents, acoustics and recreational use, were likewise evaluated with sustainability and environmental impact as key considerations.

Below is a selection of visualisations developed throughout the bridge design process, from the original competition proposal to the tender design. The images illustrate how the bridge as a whole, as well as its individual elements, will integrate into the Fossvogur landscape and become part of the public realm.

Further information and updates on the construction progress are available on the Borgarlína website.